Blood Alcohol Concentration Calculator

Blood Alcohol Calculator FAQ

In general, alcohol has progressive effects on an individual’s behavior and begins causing impairment almost immediately. Despite the fact that there are over a million arrests made each year associated with drinking and driving, it continues to be a problem throughout the United States. Here are some frequently asked questions related to drinking and driving that may help you in the future.

What is considered one drink?

1 ½ oz of liquor (a shot)

5 oz of wine

12 oz of beer

What is BAC?

The acronym BAC stands for blood alcohol concentration or blood alcohol content. It is the percentage of alcohol that is contained in an individual’s blood after consuming alcohol.

What are the factors that affect blood alcohol level?

Gender

Weight

Number of drinks

Speed of consumption

Metabolic rate

Empty or full stomach

What are the effects of alcohol?

Decreased concentration

Impaired depth perception

Numbed feelings

Lowered inhibition

Slow reaction time

Stumbling

Slurred speech

And more

What is DUI versus DWI?

Depending on the state in which you are arrested, a differentiation may be made between Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated / Impaired (DWI). The distinction is made based on a driver’s blood alcohol level. While states like New Jersey and Virginia do not separate the two, states like New York and Maryland have varying degrees of consequences for the two infractions.

What is considered to be over the legal limit?

Every state in the United States deems that a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08% is against the law and earns steep consequences. However, these consequences vary by state. In addition, many states have even harsher penalties for what is considered a high blood alcohol level. For example, California, Maryland, and the Carolinas deem a BAC of 0.15% or higher to be the threshold for harsher penalties, while New Jersey and Rhode Island implement the strict punishment at just 0.10%. In addition, various states have consequences in place for lower blood alcohol contents. So, although a driver is below the 0.08% threshold, some states consider lower levels unacceptable. This is typically where the distinction between DUI and DWI occurs. Surprisingly, most states also have a BAC legal limit in place for drivers under 21, in order to monitor and differentiate between alcohol levels as a result of mouthwash use, cough medicine consumption, or actual under-age drinking.

How can drunk drivers be detected?

There are certain signs that law enforcement officials watch for when drunk driving is suspected. These include driving very slowly, swerving or drifting into another lane, erratic breaking, abrupt driving decisions and reactions, and more.